Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint? Save Energy and Money with These Tips

Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint? Save Energy and Money with These Tips

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the impact their daily activities have on the environment, from the cars they drive to the items they toss in the trash. On a person-by-person basis, small changes make only a small difference in the much larger impact people have on the ecosystem. But for businesses, those small changes can add up to significant benefits. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving money, here are a few small changes you can make in your facilities.

Low Flow Showerheads

If your buildings include shower stalls, a more water-efficient showerhead can dramatically cut the water used during each shower. Standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute, but their low-flow counterparts cut that water use to below two gallons. You could also replace your toilets with more water-efficient versions. In a building with multiple showers and/or toilets, you can significantly cut water consumption over the course of each month.

Faucet Aerators

One of the easiest changes to make is the addition of an aerator to each of your faucets. This small device screws onto a faucet head streamlining the water coming out to ensure as little water as possible is wasted. You should be able to tell if your faucets already have aerators on them by looking for the flow rating on the side. If you do have an aerator and its rating reads 2.75 gpm or higher, you need to replace it with one of the lower-rated versions on the market today.

Newer-Technology Water Heaters

If you haven’t replaced your building’s water heater recently, you might be able to find significant cost savings with an upgrade. It’s important to choose a water heater that fits the fuel availability in your area. Tankless water heaters have become especially popular in recent years, since water is headed directly, rather than being stored in a large container. A tankless water heater also occupies less space, which can help you in areas of your buildings where storage is limited.

Regularly Maintained Equipment

The equipment that powers your operations should be regularly checked and maintained to avoid wasting energy. Instead of waiting a year or longer to replace your HVAC system, make that upgrade as soon as you’re told your unit is in its final stretch. That will keep you from wasting energy on equipment that doesn’t operate efficiently. If you haven’t already, check to ensure each piece of applicable equipment is Energy Star compliant, which means it was built to government specifications regarding appliances. Also look at small things in your day-to-day operations that can save money, such as turning lights off at night.

Businesses realize the importance of environmentally-friendly practices. Not only does it protect the planet, but it saves money and impresses customers and employees. Through making a few small changes, building owners and managers can substantially cut their energy consumption, saving money and reducing their environmental impact. If enough building owners make these changes, many areas may begin to see less pollution and a better quality of living.

EnerChange offers a variety of money and energy saving programs, read about there here.

If you’re interested in saving energy and money, schedule a free energy assessment today! Simply fill out our Energy Assessment form to the right.